The present disclosure relates to implementation of an advanced image formation process as a network layer and its applications and includes methods and systems for generating modified digital imagesutilizing a neural network that includes a rendering layer. In particular, the disclosed systems and methods can train a neural network to decompose an input digital image into intrinsic physical properties (e.g., such as material, illumination, and shape). Moreover, the systems and methods can substitute one of the intrinsic physical properties for a target property (e.g., a modified material, illumination, or shape). The systems and methods can utilize a rendering layer trained to synthesize a digital image to generate a modified digital image based on the target property and the remaining (unsubstituted) intrinsic physical properties. Systems and methods can increase the accuracy of modified digital images by generating modified digital images that realistically reflect a confluence ofintrinsic physical properties of an input digital image and target (i.e., modified) properties.